Forensic applications of micro-computed tomography: a systematic review

Abstract Purpose The aim of this systematic review was to provide a comprehensive overview micro-CT current applications in forensic pathology, anthropology, odontology, and neonatology. Methods A bibliographic research on the electronic databases Pubmed Scopus conducted time frame 01/01/2001–31/12/2021 without any language restrictions applying following free-text search strategy: “(micro-computed tomography OR micro-CT) AND (forensic legal)”. inclusion criteria were used: (A) English language; (B) Application biological and/or non-biological materials address at least one issue (e.g., age estimation, identification post-mortem interval). papers selected by three independent investigators have been then classified according investigated materials. Results provided 651 records, duplicates excluded. After screening for title abstracts, B, 157 full-text evaluated eligibility. Ninety-three papers, mostly (64) published between 2017 2021, included; considering that two several materials, an overall amount 99 classifiable items counted when referring investigated. It emerged bones cartilages (54.55%), followed teeth (13.13%), most frequently analyzed Moreover, allowed collection structural, qualitative quantitative information also soft tissues, fetuses, insects, foreign Conclusion Forensic progressively increased last 5 years with very promising results. According evidence, we might expect near future shift its use from purposes clinical cases.